Volunteer with AMOR
FAQs
What town will I be staying in?
We will make suggestions depending on project location. Your choice may depend on different factors such as the kind of environment and which type of accommodation you would prefer. If we work in hard-to-reach villages, transportation will be arranged.
What airport will I be flying into and how far is it to the project site?
Guatemala, Guatemala - La Aurora (GUA). The shuttle ride from the airport to the sites varies from four to six hours. There is also the option to break up your journey on one of both legs with an overnight stay in Antigua, a small and beautiful colonial city surrounded by volcanoes which is situated near the airport.
Are my living accommodations arranged for me?
AMOR will happily recommend accommodations according to your particular needs and desires.
Do I need special immunisations before coming to Guatemala?
Please consult your doctor if you have any kind special condition. Otherwise, no vaccinations are required.
What will I need to bring to work?
Boots, jeans, gloves, sun block, and a willing attitude!
How much should I budget for a week’s stay in Guatemala?
This largely depends on you. After you factor in the cost for accommodation, which runs from around $7 to $25 per night, you could live off of as little as $15-$25 per day to eat exclusively at street stalls. A typical modest restaurant meal costs $6-$8. However, if you’re like most people your eye will catch the bright colours of Mayan fabrics, you might want to go horseback riding, or do various other fun activities all of which will affect your budget.
Will I be provided with medical insurance while I’m in Guatemala?
No. You are responsible for your own medical insurance. Safety IS our number one priority and you must go through a workers' safety orientation before you begin work. Of course, there will always be a first aid kit on hand where we will be working.
What’s the weather like?
The build site will be either be near Lake Atitlán, a large and picturesque lake in the central highlands of Guatemala, or in the mountains of Cunen. The days are usually temperate, but because of the lake's elevation of over 5,000 feet there is often a cool afternoon breeze off the water. The mountains can be a good deal colder, and the sun stringer during the day. A good mix of clothing is recommended. From late May to November is the rainy season so bring a rain jacket, but it’s not as bad as it sounds. The days usually start off with clear skies and when it rains it doesn’t last long.
What type of construction work will I be doing as a volunteer?
AMOR welcomes volunteers to help with our builds in whatever capacity they are comfortable with. Volunteers are able to contribute in whatever way they feel physically able to, from stripping and attaching sugar cane or filling walls with adobe/pine needle mud, to troweling smooth the stucco or playing with the build family’s children during down time.
What about transportation while I'm in Guatemala?
If desired, AMOR will arrange for shuttle transport from Guatemala City Airport to the build site, to be paid for by the volunteer. Often volunteers opt to spend some time in Antigua before or after the build. Antigua is a beautiful colonial town an hour from the airport. Shuttles depart several times daily between Antigua and Lake Atitlan. For Cunen, special shuttle buses are arranged. If you are based at the lake, water taxis that ring the lake (for a small fee) are plentiful to transport you to the many towns, small and large. Shuttle van service is also available from nearby Panajachel to transport you to Chichicastenango, and other nearby cities. In Cunen, shuttle buses take you to the beautiful valley of Nebaj and many other exquisite destinations. Both the Lake and Cunen are a nature lover's paradise.
Who will receive the homes we build?
The home will be built for a vulnerable indigenous Mayan family in the area. We partner with local community leaders and have our own social worker to determine and serve the most at-risk families.
Is the water safe to drink?
We recommend that you do not drink the tap water. While there is little chance of catching an illness, we don’t want you to run that risk. Instead, drink aqua de botella (bottled water) or agua pura.
